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orchardst
Squeeker
Joined: Mar 03, 2005
Posts: 11
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 Posted:
Mar 03, 2005 - 05:11 PM |
 
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not if you want to keep your child healthy. cases of foot and mouth, food poisoning, etc. recently a child who was allergic to peanuts was given dumplings by his tcher - cooked in peanut oil! |
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zhw7
Reacher
Joined: Mar 01, 2005
Posts: 220
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Mar 04, 2005 - 11:37 AM |
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jys390
Squeeker
Joined: May 20, 2005
Posts: 10
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May 20, 2005 - 11:34 PM |
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As an experienced teacher in Shanghai (at the SMIC Private School) with familiarity with many of the other international schools, here is my breakdown of schools with truly western curriculum (to the best of my objective abilities)
Best Overall (Puxi): Shanghai American School (SAS) - Puxi Campus
There is a reason why this is the most difficult school to get into. They have a large waiting list because this school is the nearest thing you can get to a well-rounded, American curriculum. The management and facilities are top-notch. With a sprawling campus, SAS feels like a unique American retreat isolated from the rest of China - not unlike the gated communities for expats in the middle east. If you want your child to emulate the exact same lifestyle as he/she had in your home country (especially USA) and price is not an issue, then this is your first choice.
- drawbacks -
Price: USD20,000, distance from city center, long waiting lists, "wild" upperclassmen
Best Overal (Pudong): Concordia International School
A great management team with that creates a positive, structured curriculum. Much smaller than SAS, the school has a excellent facilities, and the entire campus (a beautiful, quaint office-building architecture) is hooked up to wireless Internet (all students are required to purchase a laptop for classes). It is a Lutheran based school, so there is more moral structure for the students (student uniforms, strong values educations). Smaller class sizes also help individualize learning. Also based upon an American curriculum, they offer nearly all the standard electives and college counseling as SAS Puxi.
- drawbacks -
Price: USD21,000, distance from city center, a relatively new school with a limited tradition of academic excellence for colleges (not that they aren't building one)
Best Value: SMIC Private School
A even mix of experienced and young, well-educated admin and staff (Yale, Stanford, Northwestern, UPenn, Cornell, Oxford, Harvard), small class sizes and the lowest price among schools using British or American curriculum (around USD6000, including 'management' fees). Has a unique bilingual structure with a completely American and completely Chinese curriculum under one roof (each student chooses one, but not both). Short waiting lists and a more sheltered social life. 2006 Middle/High School principal was Dean of Foreign Language department at Phillips Academy. *Finally, it has an award-winning student newspaper, the only true newspaper among int'l schools in Shanghai (okay, that's my bias: I was the faculty advisor!).
- drawbacks -
Distance from city center, functional but sparce, spartan campus and facilities. limited activities and electives. No academic tradition for colleges (first graduating class will be in 2006). Chinese-style cafeteria foods and small student population often has high schoolers in constant complaint. High faculty turnover rate. Sheltered student social life. Only accredited in China as of now (Chinese govt ceased giving new int'l school licenses in 2002)
Others -
Best Location: Yew Chung International School (YCIS) Gubei Campus
Best Chinese Language immersion - SMIC Private School/Shanghai High School-International Division (SHS-ID)/YCIS
Most Beautiful Campus: Shanghai American School (SAS) Pudong (next to the ocean, but very, very far from city center)
Best Academic Tradition: SAS Puxi
Best Athletics and Activities: SAS Puxi
Biggest: SAS Puxi
Smallest: Livingston American School
Worst (Objectively, really): SHS-ID
My experience with SHS students is this: It has too many apathetic local teachers and little to no supervision on the students. Students can go there for 8 years without basic English skills. Non-existent college counseling and planning. This is where excellent students struggle to create a college path by themselves, good students become average, average students go bad, and bad students commit crimes. Really. My understanding is that the management is purely Chinese aparitchik, and all the money from the large International Division used for its excellent Chinese track. Oh, and foreign students are not allowed into the Chinese track. You can get a good immersion in Chinese here, but only because so many 'international' students don't speak English at all. Meanwhile students learn how to sleep in class, ditch school, go nightclubbing, and worse.
One Last Note
On a personal level, I did graduate from what many consider the best international school in Asia - The Taipei American School. Great location in the heart of the city, top-notch academic reputation (5-10 Ivy League/Stanford enrollments a year). To this day they only charge around USD$14,000 per annum. And it is in a much more expensive country, with much less competition from any other int'l schools. So why do most of the Int'l schools in Shanghai charge so much? And all nearly hovering around USD20,000? It's almost like a backroom conspiracy, if I were prone to believe in that stuff. You would think someone would start to drive the market value down. |
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peacefulstar
Seeker
Joined: May 30, 2004
Posts: 46
Status: Offline
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May 21, 2005 - 11:54 PM |
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For what it's worth: I know this is an old post, yet I feel obliged to comment.
I am a teacher at Yew Chung. The school cannot compare to SAS when it comes to the campus, however, we do have an outstanding staff. I grew up in the US. I went to one of the best high schools in the country, so I think I have an idea of excellence in education.
I think our strong point is our dedicated staff. The facilities might not be the best, yet there is a positive atmosphere amongst students and staff.
Yew Chung offers a lot in terms of art, theatre and music, which I know is well known. Yet, from what I have seen, the school also provides a challenging curriculum in academics such as science, history, mathematics, etc.
I am new at the school and I am very happy teaching there. I find the students and the staff to be very positive and yet serious about education as well. |
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MPV
Lurker
Joined: Apr 11, 2005
Posts: 34
Location: Shanghai, China / Chicago, USA
Status: Offline
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May 22, 2005 - 07:43 AM |
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This is an interesting and important thread. Its fascinating to hear reports on International schools from parents, teachers and students.
After years of sitting in on hundreds of school tours and orientations, I've learned its best not to usually give pre-conceived "rankings" or "ratings" of schools to my clients - unless I really, absolutely know what the family wants for their children - which is usually hard to know.
I've seen parents make successful and unsuccessful school choices at nearly all of the International schools, and the reasons vary tremendously. Smaller class sizes in places like SMIC or SCIS could be a huge benefit for a student with special needs, while the SAS's organized activities can become an integral part in some other children's happiness. Some parents view the challenge of a fully immersed bilingual Chinese education as an important process for their children, others feel that a child's education should stay on its own curriculum track without any confusing readjustments.
While I do perform constant follow ups on our housing clients to check on their happiness, I would like to get more specific feedback from them about their kids educations and the schools they chose. Hopefully in short time I'll be able to add their comments in their words to http://www.shanghaifinder.com/schools
As a real estate leasing and relocation agent, I should also throw in that its a good idea to be familiar with the office location of the working expat(s), and communicate it to your agent. This enables you to choose a community and a school that are all relatively commutable for your family. I mentioned this in a previous post, but I do feel for the expat kids who are sitting in school busses in traffic jams for over three hours per day.
MPV
(www.shanghaifinder.com) |
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jys390
Squeeker
Joined: May 20, 2005
Posts: 10
Status: Offline
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May 22, 2005 - 03:48 PM |
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I think a diversity of choices in terms of Int'l schools is great. I also think the difference in academic strengths adds to the palette. I think that a diversity in lifestyle, however, is more important. Unfortunately, I think that too many expat students here lack that uninsulated world experience.
I also would like to see a greater diversity in prices. |
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WendyCollins-Smith
Seeker
Joined: Oct 09, 2004
Posts: 62
Status: Offline
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May 22, 2005 - 04:26 PM |
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I agree with the last few comments about diversity. Every parent has different views about the ideal school. I am not worried about a flashy exterior (as long as it isn't run down) but more concerned with atmosphere and a caring environment. Somewhere the kids enjoy going every day and I feel my input is welcome. |
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WendyCollins-Smith
Seeker
Joined: Oct 09, 2004
Posts: 62
Status: Offline
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May 24, 2005 - 07:25 PM |
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Which international school has been around for the longest period of time? |
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moderator
Barker
Joined: Aug 14, 2004
Posts: 164
Status: Offline
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May 25, 2005 - 02:07 PM |
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Re: Moderation of this thread.
While we try to keep an open forum here, one thing we are touchy about are posts that potentially defame local business - deserved or not. We are NOT in a position to checkout the validity of the accusations against these businesses nor take sides. In some cases, some serious allegations were made against a school here. Maybe they were true and maybe they were not. It may be our error that we moderate these posts.. but we have to err on the conservative side. |
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WendyCollins-Smith
Seeker
Joined: Oct 09, 2004
Posts: 62
Status: Offline
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May 25, 2005 - 06:37 PM |
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peacefulstar
You sound like a very dedicated teacher. I hope my kids get teachers like you. |
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WendyCollins-Smith
Seeker
Joined: Oct 09, 2004
Posts: 62
Status: Offline
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May 25, 2005 - 06:40 PM |
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peacefulstar
When will the new Yew Chung campus open? What age children will it cater for? |
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tnmom
PopStar
Joined: Mar 04, 2004
Posts: 1085
Location: No longer in Shanghai
Status: Offline
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May 26, 2005 - 08:54 AM |
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| Quote: |
| Which international school has been around for the longest period of time? |
THe Shanghai American School was here in the early 1900s, closed in 1949, then re-opened in 1980 on the grounds of the US Consulate. It's now the largest international school in China. Yew Chung has also been around for awhile - opening in 1993. |
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expat2
Newbie
Joined: May 31, 2005
Posts: 3
Status: Offline
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May 31, 2005 - 09:44 AM |
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Anyone heard about the new international school-- Shanghai Xiwai International School, which is affiliated with Shanghai Int'l Studies Uni? Thanks. |
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seegy
Newbie
Joined: May 10, 2006
Posts: 2
Status: Offline
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May 10, 2006 - 11:06 PM |
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| Post subject: Evaluation of Yew Chung International School |
I need honest feedback about the Yew Chung Gubei Campus.
HOw international is it??????
Parents and teachers of the school please help with your feedback.
I am to be teaching there in Sept./06 and while their website is great,
I'm thinking things aren't always as they seem in pictures.
Am I being silly or is there a need for me to be causious?????????????
Thanks one and all
Seegy |
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Franko
Barker
Joined: June 05, 2004
Posts: 153
Status: Offline
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May 15, 2006 - 05:09 AM |
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I'm very causious which skool I send my children too - especially on the quality of it's teaching staf. |
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StMichael
Rocker
Joined: Feb 19, 2005
Posts: 783
Location: Qibao, Shanghai
Status: Offline
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May 15, 2006 - 07:19 PM |
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Loganth
Seeker
Joined: May 20, 2007
Posts: 62
Status: Offline
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Oct 22, 2007 - 09:27 AM |
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Does anyone have any comments regarding the British International School Pudong as I'm thinking of putting my six-year old son there. You can PM me with your views. Thanks!
RY |
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KungFu
Lurker
Joined: Jan 30, 2007
Posts: 33
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2007 - 11:59 PM |
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| bliss wrote: |
Wendy- SMIC is a semiconductor fabrication company which setup very recently and it is very sound and profit making company invetested billion of US$ in China. The school is meant for their employees children and I believe they have many expats and their children need intenational school environemnt but not willing to pay US$20K per child(say they have 100 expats with 1.5 kids each on average, this works out 3 million US$ for the company) and so they set up such school (correct me if I am wrong) but anyway, they are now open to non-employees children to have a bit of economical of scale in runing the school for diff grades, I guess it is not a money making school like the others. I have not enrol my child to that school yet. I reckon it is best for you to talk to each school and look around their facility and look at their curriculum.
Kiwiteacher - I am not a teacher there but I am one of the very concerned parents for their children. I know most teachers in YCIS are mostly from Oz or Kiwi and I believe it shd be good but I am not sure about teacher apt and salary. A 2-room apt normally rented at about 500-800 US$. Teacher salary probably depend on your teaching experience from US$3K to 5K? my guess.
Good luck to all !!
Bliss .. |
do you know if SMIC has any emphasis on chinese? we chose Yew Chung because it's about the only school where the kids get a decent amount of chinese language. |
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KungFu
Lurker
Joined: Jan 30, 2007
Posts: 33
Status: Offline
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Oct 26, 2007 - 12:08 AM |
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| Post subject: Re: Yew Chung International School in Shanghai |
| WendyCollins-Smith wrote: |
| I am moving to Shanghai soon with the family and wanted to get some first-hand feeback about the Yew Chung International School in Shanghai. What is it like for Western kids? Is is good, bad or just ok? |
it's all "western kids" that go there. it's generally kids with parents who want them to learn chinese and the chinese culture. don't go there if you aren't interested in this. there are many asian-looking kids who don't speak a lick of chinese - and many caucasian kids who speak pretty well.
we are SUPER pleased with the school. it's not perfect, but it has the least uptight parent group and jesus isn't involved in the curriculum (like a couple other schools). the teachers are amazing - a few new ones that really have a lot drive and creativity and love. i don't love the administration (a bit cold) and the facility seems weird to me, but daughter is really loving it. |
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KungFu
Lurker
Joined: Jan 30, 2007
Posts: 33
Status: Offline
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Oct 26, 2007 - 12:16 AM |
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| bliss wrote: |
Several YCIS students were caught off campus dealt with drugs peddler at people square lasy year.
Marketing ploy :
They provide 2 teachers (English & Mandarin) at the same time in a class but the Mandarin teacher cannot converse well in English to parents and students donot use much time talking to the Mandarin teacher, according to one English teacher there he felt it is not much useful.
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about the drug thing - why mention this? i know many high school kids from many schools with drug and alcohol problems. that is a HUGE problem with all expat high schools here. definitely don't mention just one school. not cool.
and i disagree that it's a "marketing ploy" - it's about the only school that even tries to make the kids bilingual. it's not a perfect program, but my daughter's chinese (written and verbal) have improved immensely since we've moved her to Yew Chung. i would say the "marketing ploy" comes from the other schools that say they are teaching your child chinese, when really, they move away from china after 2 or 3 years here - and can't even have a conversation with the people they live among. |
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KungFu
Lurker
Joined: Jan 30, 2007
Posts: 33
Status: Offline
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Oct 26, 2007 - 12:20 AM |
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| peacefulstar wrote: |
For what it's worth: I know this is an old post, yet I feel obliged to comment.
I am a teacher at Yew Chung. The school cannot compare to SAS when it comes to the campus, however, we do have an outstanding staff. I grew up in the US. I went to one of the best high schools in the country, so I think I have an idea of excellence in education.
I think our strong point is our dedicated staff. The facilities might not be the best, yet there is a positive atmosphere amongst students and staff.
Yew Chung offers a lot in terms of art, theatre and music, which I know is well known. Yet, from what I have seen, the school also provides a challenging curriculum in academics such as science, history, mathematics, etc.
I am new at the school and I am very happy teaching there. I find the students and the staff to be very positive and yet serious about education as well. |
i agree. my daughter is a new student at yew chung (we moved her from another school). the staff and teachers are super upbeat and motivated. you can tell that they love what they do. it's very refreshing! |
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indus
Seeker
Joined: May 28, 2006
Posts: 44
Status: Offline
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Oct 26, 2007 - 06:16 AM |
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I very much agree that YCIS is an excellent school which lays a little more emphasis on education. My son had been going to an american school for two years but hardly knew chinese. Now with only two months in YCIS, I can see remarkable progress. They give good importance to chinese. Even though I know that chinese will not be of great use to my son when we move back home, I want him to atleast learn it as an additional language. Now, both my sons goto YCIS Pudong campus & I have absolutely no complaints. My younger one is 4 & loves his school & esp his teachers. The staff is wonderful. |
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jkahv
Seeker
Joined: Sep 05, 2007
Posts: 65
Status: Offline
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Oct 28, 2007 - 11:11 AM |
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| Post subject: TO: KungFu |
May I ask which YCIS campus is your child attending? I'm considering Yew Chung Pudong. Is this a newer campus? I heard a few bad things (in this forum) about Yew Chung's other sites. Does anyone else have updates?
Thanks! |
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indus
Seeker
Joined: May 28, 2006
Posts: 44
Status: Offline
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Oct 29, 2007 - 03:13 PM |
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My sons attend the Regency Park & Season's villa campuses. |
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hautumncloud
LoopKicker
Joined: Nov 04, 2006
Posts: 967
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Oct 29, 2007 - 05:32 PM |
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| Post subject: Re: TO: KungFu |
| jkahv wrote: |
May I ask which YCIS campus is your child attending? I'm considering Yew Chung Pudong. Is this a newer campus? I heard a few bad things (in this forum) about Yew Chung's other sites. Does anyone else have updates?
Thanks! |
Yes, the one in Pudong is the new campus, adjacent to an international compound. Every school will have some bad and good comments about it. And some parents like this school or that vice versa. Ultimately, you will have to check out school yourself, take all the info (and more) and their curriculum and visit their school and then look at all your data from your own perspective. Its so difficult to pick the perfect school because there is no perfect school, just the most suitable for your children and only you as a parent will know which is the one.
All the best! |
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